Kinsers, WoO Stars Head To Kokomo

Steve Kinser has been officially confirmed for the Winter Heat Sprint Car Showdown in Arizona in January. (John DaDalt Photo)

Steve Kinser on track during a World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series event at Orange County Fair Speedway in May. (John DaDalt Photo)

KOKOMO, Ind. – Kokomo Speedway consistently delivers side-by-side racing, which will be showcased on Wednesday during the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series’ lone visit this season.

A total of 13 different drivers have claimed at least one victory during the previous 22 races for the premier sprint car series at the bullring, led by Indiana native Steve Kinser.

“All the Kinsers have ran pretty good there,” he said. “I have a lot of race fans there. It’s good to get back there and see them.”

Since winning the inaugural race in 1978, Kinser – who turned 60 on Monday – has earned a series-best six victories. However, his son, Kraig, has picked up the last two wins for the family at Kokomo Speedway.

Kraig Kinser garnered his first career winged sprint car win at the track and he recorded World of Outlaws wins in 2012 and 2005.

“That will always be a special place for me,” he said. “It’s just one of those places I really enjoy racing at, a lot of it because of the family ties there.”

From Kraig’s grandfather winning track championships to the World of Outlaws wins he shares with his father there, Kokomo Speedway has a unique connection with the Kinser family and it will add another chapter on Wednesday during the “Salute to the King” tour honoring Steve Kinser’s final season chasing the championship.

“It’s definitely got a lot of tradition,” Kraig said. “It’s fulfilling knowing that not just (I have had) success, but it’s a place where my family runs good.”

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